What an amazing week we have had! Having been before, we were not sure how God would show up this year. Well, of course, as always God is faithful. This year God blessed our family particularily in the time of worship. This year the family mission trip was joined by a group of high school and college students. Each evening, the whole group gathered to worship and to discuss the day's events. Jeremy and Catherine Daniels, and Ross Walters led the worship and a number of the younger people led the devotions and prayers. As parents, this experience was priceless in what it showed our even younger children who were watching closely. As parents, we can try to teach, tell, demonstrate how to live as a disciple of Christ. Young children and new teenagers witnessing the out pouring of love for our Savior by other young adults (from a mother's perspective) speaks volumns. It was truly a blessing to serve along side this special group!
One other quick note has to do with how we pray. Many Christians thank God for the new day of life, but as one college student worded this, she thanks God for waking her up each day. As I have had time to reflect on this, the Holy Spirit has opened my eyes even more. If God wakes us up (and if you are reading this, then He did), then He obviously has plans for us that day. This mind set puts my attention immediately on His plans and so my prayer is that my agenda doesn't interfere or interrupt His plans since after all He did give me the day!
It was an honor and blessing to serve!
Alana and Brian Rochester
Monday, July 30, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Children's Hospital
The past few days here were completely amazing. I have been blessed to see God work in ways that I never imagined. There are so many stories that I could tell from this powerful week that I could write a novel, but I don't like to read novels, I would much rather read a story. There is one event that stands out very strong in my mind, and that is the story of Ingrid.
Wednesday we went to visit an AIDS hospital outside of the city. We played with the children, and then had VBS with them. We shared the story of Esther and her crown. So for craft, all the children colored crowns then we placed them on their heads. During this time, I had been wondering around through everything and watching. I became tired of watching and wanted to help, so I began help this young girl color. Her name is Ingrid and is eight years old. She colored half of the crown and I colored half of the crown. She loved to draw hearts and so she began to fill her half up with hearts, so I did the same and drew my half with hearts too. She loved this and was smiling and laughing. We came to the middle of where we were coloring, and I drew half a heart. She paused for a second, looked, smiled, and drew the other half of the heart. Her face lit up and was grinning from ear to ear. It took every bit of strength to keep from crying like a baby right then. She then thought it was the funniest thing in the world to cover my face in little tiny ladybug stickers. Once my entire face was covered she took me by the hand and walked me around to show all the workers, children, and Lakewood crew how "good" I looked. Saying goodbye was very hard for me. I left feeling broken.
I had so many questions, and was praying about it. Like why could such a precious eight year old girl, have such a terrible thing as AIDS, and that she probably wasn't going to live to the age I am at now. I also felt very frustrated because I felt as though it was a waste of beautiful life. All of this brokenness kept stirring in my heart until group prayer and worship that night. We began to sing about God's love and sovereignty, and I had this great peace, and the Lord placed a defining thought on my heart, that her life is only wasted if we allow it to be.
I honestly expected to go there and minister to the children, but never expected me to be ministered to by them. The Lord used these young children, to make an impact on my life that they could never begin to comprehend. Through all of this I can honestly say that my greatest human hero isn't a great pastor, author, or well known saint of God, but rather an eight year old girl living in an AIDS hospital outside of Guatemala.
Zach Johnson
Wednesday we went to visit an AIDS hospital outside of the city. We played with the children, and then had VBS with them. We shared the story of Esther and her crown. So for craft, all the children colored crowns then we placed them on their heads. During this time, I had been wondering around through everything and watching. I became tired of watching and wanted to help, so I began help this young girl color. Her name is Ingrid and is eight years old. She colored half of the crown and I colored half of the crown. She loved to draw hearts and so she began to fill her half up with hearts, so I did the same and drew my half with hearts too. She loved this and was smiling and laughing. We came to the middle of where we were coloring, and I drew half a heart. She paused for a second, looked, smiled, and drew the other half of the heart. Her face lit up and was grinning from ear to ear. It took every bit of strength to keep from crying like a baby right then. She then thought it was the funniest thing in the world to cover my face in little tiny ladybug stickers. Once my entire face was covered she took me by the hand and walked me around to show all the workers, children, and Lakewood crew how "good" I looked. Saying goodbye was very hard for me. I left feeling broken.
I had so many questions, and was praying about it. Like why could such a precious eight year old girl, have such a terrible thing as AIDS, and that she probably wasn't going to live to the age I am at now. I also felt very frustrated because I felt as though it was a waste of beautiful life. All of this brokenness kept stirring in my heart until group prayer and worship that night. We began to sing about God's love and sovereignty, and I had this great peace, and the Lord placed a defining thought on my heart, that her life is only wasted if we allow it to be.
I honestly expected to go there and minister to the children, but never expected me to be ministered to by them. The Lord used these young children, to make an impact on my life that they could never begin to comprehend. Through all of this I can honestly say that my greatest human hero isn't a great pastor, author, or well known saint of God, but rather an eight year old girl living in an AIDS hospital outside of Guatemala.
Zach Johnson
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday AM
It is sometimes said, "Christianity is better caught than taught." That is also true of global missions. For that reason, we participated in this trip as a family. Pictures and stories can only communicate so much information. To truly appreciate the work, you have to experience it. Meet the people. See the need. Hold the child. Serve the meal. Being a witness for Jesus in other lands can lead us to be a more faithful witness for Jesus at home.
Laura and I want our children to see the difficult conditions in another culture so they can better appreciate the blessings they enjoy in the US. And we want them to see in Guatemala how they can invest their life in other people so they might learn about true life in Christ. To this point in the trip (Thursday morning), we have: helped build stoves for families living in the landfill, seen adults confess faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior, taught and played with children at our partner school, and visited children at an AIDS hospital. And we have talked about what we have seen each day and what God is teaching us.
I have participated previously in global missions. But as a parent with young children in the home for most of our marriage, it has always been better for me to go alone. Leaving my family for 10 days to 2 weeks has always one of the hardest aspects of global missions. That's why it's such a blessing to be able to participate in this FAMILY mission trip. We do ministry together at home but this is the first time we have done it in another country. We left our 6 and 7-year olds with grandparents this week and brought our 12 and 14-year olds with us. Perhaps in a few years our younger children will be able join us on another global mission trip, learning together how God is at work in other parts of the world and watching, as a family, how God can use us as His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Adam Harwood
Laura and I want our children to see the difficult conditions in another culture so they can better appreciate the blessings they enjoy in the US. And we want them to see in Guatemala how they can invest their life in other people so they might learn about true life in Christ. To this point in the trip (Thursday morning), we have: helped build stoves for families living in the landfill, seen adults confess faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior, taught and played with children at our partner school, and visited children at an AIDS hospital. And we have talked about what we have seen each day and what God is teaching us.
I have participated previously in global missions. But as a parent with young children in the home for most of our marriage, it has always been better for me to go alone. Leaving my family for 10 days to 2 weeks has always one of the hardest aspects of global missions. That's why it's such a blessing to be able to participate in this FAMILY mission trip. We do ministry together at home but this is the first time we have done it in another country. We left our 6 and 7-year olds with grandparents this week and brought our 12 and 14-year olds with us. Perhaps in a few years our younger children will be able join us on another global mission trip, learning together how God is at work in other parts of the world and watching, as a family, how God can use us as His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Adam Harwood
El Camino Church
Tonight we went to Pastor Saul's church for a combined service with Lakewood and the Guatemalans. On the Spring Break trip, this was one of my favorite nights because it reminded me of how big our God is. It amazes me how God knows every single language. No matter where you are in the world or what language you are speaking, He understands and accepts our praise. Many different languages, many different races, many different people, ONE GOD.
At the end of the service, each Guatemalan was instructed to pray with an American. A woman sitting behind me named Susie asked to pray with me. I prayed over her first, and I prayed for God to give her strength to bring more people to Christ who can help her to be the light in Guatemala City. When she began to pray over me, she took my hands and literally cried out to the Lord. She could barely get a breath in because of the flow of passion that was coming out of her mouth. I could just feel the Holy Spirit flowing through her.
The Lord really spoke to me in this moment. I was thinking about why we don't have this amount of passion in America when we pray or when we worship. I feel like God reminded me of all the things of the world that we put our passion into instead of yielding our entire hearts to God and giving Him all our passion. This is my prayer for when I return home: that I would have more passion when it comes to living for God, rather than letting the the things of this world come in the way.
This reminded me of a song I love. "Jesus, I glorify. Jesus, my love is yours. You are my heart's desire, and I LIVE TO KNOW YOU MORE."
At the end of the service, each Guatemalan was instructed to pray with an American. A woman sitting behind me named Susie asked to pray with me. I prayed over her first, and I prayed for God to give her strength to bring more people to Christ who can help her to be the light in Guatemala City. When she began to pray over me, she took my hands and literally cried out to the Lord. She could barely get a breath in because of the flow of passion that was coming out of her mouth. I could just feel the Holy Spirit flowing through her.
The Lord really spoke to me in this moment. I was thinking about why we don't have this amount of passion in America when we pray or when we worship. I feel like God reminded me of all the things of the world that we put our passion into instead of yielding our entire hearts to God and giving Him all our passion. This is my prayer for when I return home: that I would have more passion when it comes to living for God, rather than letting the the things of this world come in the way.
This reminded me of a song I love. "Jesus, I glorify. Jesus, my love is yours. You are my heart's desire, and I LIVE TO KNOW YOU MORE."
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Unity
We started this week seeking God's presence so He will guide our thoughts, actions, and hearts. I have felt God at work as our team has quickly bonded as one body of Christ. Our team consists of people at different ages and stages of life but two things in common: a love of Jesus and a desire to joyously serve the people of Guatemala. What a peaceful and beautiful experience.
On Monday morning we played with the preschoolers. It took some time, but we made some progress in communicating with the children. Turns out that making silly faces, tickling, and joking are a universal language! I will never forget watching Ross and Josh letting the boys literally crawl all over them on the floor - pretending some were bears and others tigers. These young boys crave older male companionship-that is clear. Madalyn has a knack for nurturing and connecting with the little girls-it takes only two seconds for a couple of girls to be attached to to her hips.
Fast forward to the evening church service which was attended by destitute, desperate, homeless men who are covered with grime and (many) addicted to glue. Madalyn sang "Break Every Chain" in Spanish and it was our collective prayer that God truly would break their chains so they can emerge as pillars of light in this dark community.
So, connecting the morning to the evening, it may seem somewhat meaningless to sing songs or do crafts with pre-schoolers. It is a nice way to brighten their days. But more importantly, it dawns on me that each moment spent in VBS with these small people diminishes the possibility that they will one day wind up addicted and desperate packed on the cement floor of that building begging for hope, food, prayer, and peace.
We will continue to make little investments in these precious children this week with an exciting vision around the corner of them moving to the new school building. These children deeply crave to be held tight, loved, and encouraged and we cannot think of any other place we'd rather be than right here doing God's work.
John 13:34-35 says, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." The love I have seen extended from teammate to teammate, from the Guatemalans to our team, and from our team to the Guatemalans warms my heart and provides an eye-opening reminder of how God calls us to love. We are to love one another with joy.......regardless of our age, background, appearance, what our house looks like, what we do for a living, and even how we smell.
Karen Walters
On Monday morning we played with the preschoolers. It took some time, but we made some progress in communicating with the children. Turns out that making silly faces, tickling, and joking are a universal language! I will never forget watching Ross and Josh letting the boys literally crawl all over them on the floor - pretending some were bears and others tigers. These young boys crave older male companionship-that is clear. Madalyn has a knack for nurturing and connecting with the little girls-it takes only two seconds for a couple of girls to be attached to to her hips.
Fast forward to the evening church service which was attended by destitute, desperate, homeless men who are covered with grime and (many) addicted to glue. Madalyn sang "Break Every Chain" in Spanish and it was our collective prayer that God truly would break their chains so they can emerge as pillars of light in this dark community.
So, connecting the morning to the evening, it may seem somewhat meaningless to sing songs or do crafts with pre-schoolers. It is a nice way to brighten their days. But more importantly, it dawns on me that each moment spent in VBS with these small people diminishes the possibility that they will one day wind up addicted and desperate packed on the cement floor of that building begging for hope, food, prayer, and peace.
We will continue to make little investments in these precious children this week with an exciting vision around the corner of them moving to the new school building. These children deeply crave to be held tight, loved, and encouraged and we cannot think of any other place we'd rather be than right here doing God's work.
John 13:34-35 says, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." The love I have seen extended from teammate to teammate, from the Guatemalans to our team, and from our team to the Guatemalans warms my heart and provides an eye-opening reminder of how God calls us to love. We are to love one another with joy.......regardless of our age, background, appearance, what our house looks like, what we do for a living, and even how we smell.
Karen Walters
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday Afternoon in the Rain
Wow, its Tuesday morning and as I reflect back so far I cannot believe what the Lord has already done. Yesterday, for me, was a heavy day witnessing some things that I haven't ever seen before, such as images in the dump and the special service last night. Through all the scenes in my head though I can lean on the truth that God is sovereign over this place and he is so proud of his beloved children here.
Above all the heaviness, was a sweet reunion. Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to fall in love with a little girl named Alejandrita. Coming back this year I was worried she was to old to be in the school, but as I stood on the first floor yesterday watching the kids come down the stairs, I could help but overflow with joy as Alejandrita walked down the stairs and run right up to me. Through translation, I learned she remembered and cherished me. I'm beyond grateful that the Lord has answered my prayers and kept her safe for the past year.
While on the matter of answered prayers, I was humbled last year when Robert allowed me to pray in the lot for the new school, and I specifically remember the Lord leading me to pray that there would be a building on the lot next time I was here. Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to go with a group and help with some construction at the lot, and I no more can call it a lot, because when I stepped in the gate there was a building. Praise God. Yet again, the Lord has used his mighty hand to do a great work and answer prayers.
The Lord is up to mighty things here, and I am overjoyed to see what else he has in store for our team this week.
Whitney Brechter
Above all the heaviness, was a sweet reunion. Last year I was blessed with the opportunity to fall in love with a little girl named Alejandrita. Coming back this year I was worried she was to old to be in the school, but as I stood on the first floor yesterday watching the kids come down the stairs, I could help but overflow with joy as Alejandrita walked down the stairs and run right up to me. Through translation, I learned she remembered and cherished me. I'm beyond grateful that the Lord has answered my prayers and kept her safe for the past year.
While on the matter of answered prayers, I was humbled last year when Robert allowed me to pray in the lot for the new school, and I specifically remember the Lord leading me to pray that there would be a building on the lot next time I was here. Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to go with a group and help with some construction at the lot, and I no more can call it a lot, because when I stepped in the gate there was a building. Praise God. Yet again, the Lord has used his mighty hand to do a great work and answer prayers.
The Lord is up to mighty things here, and I am overjoyed to see what else he has in store for our team this week.
Whitney Brechter
Monday Work
It's Monday evening, 8:45 and 38 folks are tired and ready for bed. Today, teams of believers led Bible schools, built roofs and installed stoves in makeshift homes at the dump. Most importantly, the gospel was shared with numerous Guatemalans, and three adults accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Tonight, a beans (that's black beans) and coffee church service was held for men who live in the city dump and struggle with addictions such as sniffing glue. It is humbling to experience a tiny snapshot of the conditions that so many of our fellow men and women endure.
A thought of pride towards our local youth: I've had the blessing of working with young people everyday for 26 years. Contrary to what the media tells us, this is an amazing generation with gifts and talents that are almost unlimited. The blessing of watching them step up and share their gifts and faith with "the least of these, our brethren" has been overwhelming.
Time to hit the rack. Tomorrow promises to be another busy day.
Will Schofield
Tonight, a beans (that's black beans) and coffee church service was held for men who live in the city dump and struggle with addictions such as sniffing glue. It is humbling to experience a tiny snapshot of the conditions that so many of our fellow men and women endure.
A thought of pride towards our local youth: I've had the blessing of working with young people everyday for 26 years. Contrary to what the media tells us, this is an amazing generation with gifts and talents that are almost unlimited. The blessing of watching them step up and share their gifts and faith with "the least of these, our brethren" has been overwhelming.
Time to hit the rack. Tomorrow promises to be another busy day.
Will Schofield
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Arrival of Team
"The vision of Lakewood is to be a regional church that raises up fully devoted followers of Christ who are trained and equipped to love and reach lost people personally, locally and globally."
Wow, what a day. Up at 430am and met the team at the airport at 700am. Who sets these times? I think with the new international terminal we will adjust the future mission team meeting times. We made it to Guatemala safely and were greeted by our Guatemalan friends and the fab 5, the pre-trip team of Allie Pohlmeier, Hannah Miller, Ali Souther, Chelsea Beard,and the solo male Matt Babcock.
From their we proceeded to our lodging at SETECA Seminary and got the group settled, and had a prayer and worship time. At 5 we went to visit Iglesias church in the landfill. A beautiful little church made of metal siding and wood with concrete floors. We pretty much led tonight's service with a testimony from Ross Walters, a message from Zach Johnson, and worship with Jeremy Daniels. We also had one of the local ladies lead the service with testimony and giving continuos praise to God. She continually gave thanks to God for Jesus and His Glory. It was a sobering reminder that one can have nothing materially but still be content with God's Love and His redemption in Christ.
Once back to SETECA for the evening we processed the incredible day and mapped out tomorrow's ministry plan of construction in the landfill and working at the school. It ought to be a great day. It is good to do mission locally and globally, it just feels right.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
Robert Puckett
Wow, what a day. Up at 430am and met the team at the airport at 700am. Who sets these times? I think with the new international terminal we will adjust the future mission team meeting times. We made it to Guatemala safely and were greeted by our Guatemalan friends and the fab 5, the pre-trip team of Allie Pohlmeier, Hannah Miller, Ali Souther, Chelsea Beard,and the solo male Matt Babcock.
From their we proceeded to our lodging at SETECA Seminary and got the group settled, and had a prayer and worship time. At 5 we went to visit Iglesias church in the landfill. A beautiful little church made of metal siding and wood with concrete floors. We pretty much led tonight's service with a testimony from Ross Walters, a message from Zach Johnson, and worship with Jeremy Daniels. We also had one of the local ladies lead the service with testimony and giving continuos praise to God. She continually gave thanks to God for Jesus and His Glory. It was a sobering reminder that one can have nothing materially but still be content with God's Love and His redemption in Christ.
Once back to SETECA for the evening we processed the incredible day and mapped out tomorrow's ministry plan of construction in the landfill and working at the school. It ought to be a great day. It is good to do mission locally and globally, it just feels right.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
Robert Puckett
Saturday Thoughts
Buenos Noches from Guatemala! This is Hannah speaking. :)
What a day we have had! Chelsea recapped what our day involved, so as you probably can tell, there is a lot to process. You cannot possibly go to such places and see such things and NOT be affected in some way. After our day, a few members of our team found themselves asking one question: Why? Why are there so many hurting people? Why did a mother abandon her child, leaving her to beg on the streets? Why isn’t there a better solution to all of the hurt? After processing with each other, we concluded two simple truths: we live in a broken world, and we are all broken in some way. Yes, there are hurting people; and yes, there is sin; and yes, as long as the world continues to spin there will not be complete healing. Our world is broken. Sin is so consuming that it broke our covenant with the One Holy God of the universe. As a result of this broken world, I too am broken (and you are too). I may not be confined to a wheelchair with no stimulus all day long. I may not be continually deprived of a loving touch. I may not live in a landfill. But believe me, I am broken. There are times when I am prideful and judgmental, stubborn and arrogant, selfish and spoiled. Sound broken yet? My brokenness may not come in physical form, but it is brokenness all the same. Thank GOD alone that He heals brokenness. He is the Healer!! He is the Redeemer, Restorer, Reviver. I have peace knowing that not only does He heal emotional brokenness, but He heals our spiritual brokenness, our physical brokenness, and our mental brokenness. There is HOPE! I may not understand the Lord’s purpose for a lot of things, but I understand this: HE alone restores ALL that is broken. Bring Him your brokenness.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.”
Psalm 147:3-5 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite.”
Psalm 103:2-4 “My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems you life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion.”
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
What a day we have had! Chelsea recapped what our day involved, so as you probably can tell, there is a lot to process. You cannot possibly go to such places and see such things and NOT be affected in some way. After our day, a few members of our team found themselves asking one question: Why? Why are there so many hurting people? Why did a mother abandon her child, leaving her to beg on the streets? Why isn’t there a better solution to all of the hurt? After processing with each other, we concluded two simple truths: we live in a broken world, and we are all broken in some way. Yes, there are hurting people; and yes, there is sin; and yes, as long as the world continues to spin there will not be complete healing. Our world is broken. Sin is so consuming that it broke our covenant with the One Holy God of the universe. As a result of this broken world, I too am broken (and you are too). I may not be confined to a wheelchair with no stimulus all day long. I may not be continually deprived of a loving touch. I may not live in a landfill. But believe me, I am broken. There are times when I am prideful and judgmental, stubborn and arrogant, selfish and spoiled. Sound broken yet? My brokenness may not come in physical form, but it is brokenness all the same. Thank GOD alone that He heals brokenness. He is the Healer!! He is the Redeemer, Restorer, Reviver. I have peace knowing that not only does He heal emotional brokenness, but He heals our spiritual brokenness, our physical brokenness, and our mental brokenness. There is HOPE! I may not understand the Lord’s purpose for a lot of things, but I understand this: HE alone restores ALL that is broken. Bring Him your brokenness.
Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.”
Psalm 147:3-5 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Our Lord is great, vast in power; His understanding is infinite.”
Psalm 103:2-4 “My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. He redeems you life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion.”
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Obedience
Obedience is not easy. It demands our entire selves---including the deepest parts of our heart. Love has a way of messing up our lives. Love demands that we see differently. As I walked through the landfill and the special needs hospital and orphanage today I find myself asking two questions:
God what is your heart for this women or this child or this man?
And
God help me to see how you see. I want your eyes.
I can't say that I have an answer yet. But these two questions are sure changing how I love.
I keep thinking how would the Father see the little girl with burns all over her face from being abandoned and having to beg?
Or how would the Father see the landfill? Or the feeding last night?
How would the Father see the babies with cleft lips?
I want what He sees. Eyes of compassion that penetrate deep into hearts and finds glowing beauty. Eyes that see goodness. Eyes that love and hold nothing back. Eyes that serve. Eyes that really see.
Maybe missions is really a refocusing of our vision?
-Allie Pohlmeier
"The art of abandoning ourselves to what God's love might have for us is not an elegant process. It is not a strong and steady one either. Sure, it produces elegant results. Strong results even. But this process is haphazard and unpolished, with bumps and rabbit trails and discouragement, misheard and misunderstood messages, and all-out tugs of war across the threshold of the door of our hearts." Jan Meyer
God what is your heart for this women or this child or this man?
And
God help me to see how you see. I want your eyes.
I can't say that I have an answer yet. But these two questions are sure changing how I love.
I keep thinking how would the Father see the little girl with burns all over her face from being abandoned and having to beg?
Or how would the Father see the landfill? Or the feeding last night?
How would the Father see the babies with cleft lips?
I want what He sees. Eyes of compassion that penetrate deep into hearts and finds glowing beauty. Eyes that see goodness. Eyes that love and hold nothing back. Eyes that serve. Eyes that really see.
Maybe missions is really a refocusing of our vision?
-Allie Pohlmeier
"The art of abandoning ourselves to what God's love might have for us is not an elegant process. It is not a strong and steady one either. Sure, it produces elegant results. Strong results even. But this process is haphazard and unpolished, with bumps and rabbit trails and discouragement, misheard and misunderstood messages, and all-out tugs of war across the threshold of the door of our hearts." Jan Meyer
Saturday in Guatemala
Hola from Seteca! Today was a fun and busy day. We left Seteca around 9 and headed to Antigua to visit the Special Needs Hospital and Casa Shalom (where Ali Souther will be doing her internship). We also had a chance to walk around the beautiful city of Antigua. We did a little shopping, mainly Matt since he will not be with us when we go back. By the way is a very good “bargain” shopper. On to the good stuff J, the special needs hospital was a huge step for most of us. I know that I left with a heavy/sad heart, but I had to remind myself that they are loved by God and they hold a very special place in his heart. We also had the chance to see the babies in the hospital, which was super tough for me as a mom. All I could think to myself was, “Why these babies??” But I know God has huge plans for them and I can’t wait to go back and love on them some more. The short visit to Casa Shalom was amazing too. I am so excited and happy for Ali and her experiences that she will have there. This was also hard because most of these kids don’t have parents, and this I could not imagine how it would be to not have a relationship with my parents. While we were there we were told that they recently found one of the kids in a dump. This breaks my heart into a million pieces and I can’t even wrap my brain around this. So leaving there was a little tough too, but I know the ladies there love the kids and are taking care of them along with God’s help. I know the kids are happy there. I know that Matt touched on the land field a little in the previous blog, but being back there again just reminds me that God is at work in the land field on a daily basis. I had the chance to be reunited with a family I met last time I was here and one of the kiddos. The picture from the previous blog was the family that I really connected with. Jefferson and his family hold a very special place in my heart. I also got to see Nelson aka “spiderman” again. It was great to see how much they had grown and how well they were doing. Once we returned from our adventure for the day we came back to Seteca and ate our Wal Mart dinner and continued to prepare for the arrival of the team. It’s now time to go make 30+ PB&J’s and set up the rooms. So until next time, ADIOS!!
Chelsea Beard
Matthew 28:19-20
Chelsea Beard
Matthew 28:19-20
Friday Evening Perspective from Matt Babcock
Greetings from Seteca! Today was our first full day in Guatemala, as we continue to pray and prepare for the remainder of our team to arrive on Sunday. We were all blessed with a great nights sleep last night, which was tremendously needed as we woke up this morning full of energy and ready to go. We began the day with a short time of debriefing from Thursday and a discussion of how God was speaking to each of us as we prepare to dive into ministry. Most of us agreed that the most challenging part so far is simply the language barrier. Thankfully, we have Ingrid to translate for us and boy is she amazing! Without her, a few of us would not have gotten to Seteca or eaten a meal yesterday or today...literally! This afternoon we made another trip to Wal-Mart to gather supplies for the coming week of VBS. Later in the afternoon, we gathered in the landfill for a feeding of food donated by the local church. From the perspective of the two first timers, the experience was heartbreaking and encouraging all at once. Heartbreaking in the sense that no matter how many stories you hear or pictures you see of life in the landfill, you cannot truly grasp this level of poverty until you step into the middle of it. These people literally have NOTHING material. Despite this, strangely we all left greatly encouraged by the simple fact that many of these people have nothing, yet resonate with joy as if they had everything. You can't help but be broken by this redefinition of wealth. This type of joy in these circumstances cannot possibly come from anywhere but Jesus. As for the "Guatemala veterans", it was so cool to watch them reconnect with children they bonded with on past trips, some from years ago. For these kids, knowing that someone remembers their name is priceless. Our experience has been amazing so far and we cannot wait until Sunday when the remainder of our team joins us on the journey! We so appreciate and need your continued prayer and support as we continue our efforts here. It is nothing short of incredible to seethe efforts of so many Lakewood prayer warriors, missionaries, and givers bear fruit in so many lives. 
Friday, July 20, 2012
Early Set Up Day One
The five of us, Chelsea Beard,Allie Polhmeier, Matt Babcock, Hannah Miller and I, Ali Souther began ourjourney early yesterday morning to Guatemala City, Guatemala. Got throughsecurity with no issues, got to our gate and had one of the smoothest travelsI’ve ever experienced.
On the plane, me, Hannah andChelsea were all in one row with Matt across from us. Allie was a row behindus. This is when the trip began. I would like to take a minute to mention andremind you all that God really has a sense of humor and that he puts people inour lives for specific reasons. Allie began talking to the man seated next toher and of course us three girls are listening in because we have a feelingthat this conversation is going to be good. The man was atheist; however he wasopen to religion. He had lived in Israel in a place where Jesus himself hadstepped foot. “You lived on grounds where Jesus was and you are an atheist?”asked Allie is disbelief. During the entire 3 hours, Allie and this man didn’thave a quiet moment. She gently shared Christ with him and even pulled out TheMessage to show him how cool and different it was. We need to take every opportunity we arepresented with to share the love of God. That is what this entire trip isabout. We cannot pass up these opportunities. We are here for a purpose, for God’spurpose.
We arrived in Guatemala yesterdayafternoon around 11:30 in the morning Guatemala time. Ingrid, Ingrid’s brotherWalter, Pastor Saul Perez and his wife and daughter Olivia were all waiting forus outside of the airport. Walter drove us to Seteca to drop our luggage off sothat we could go to Walmart to eat lunch and to get the necessities for VBSsuch as snacks and juice boxes and any other personal items we needed. We made our way to the back of the store tothe deli and eating area.
After smooth travels and no problems we all realizedthe trip wasn’t going to be just as perfect as the travels. Our primarylanguage was not the primary language here. As we struggled trying tocommunicate, we chose what we wanted from rice, beans, chicken, tomales,chuchitas and a few other items. Thanks to Ingrid’s help with translating, wewere more at ease. After eating a delicious authentic Guatemalan WalMart lunch,we went to the bank in the front of the WalMart to exchange money from USdollars to Guatemalan Quetzales. We each exchanged a portion of the money thenwent to another bank so that we could do the same. We headed back to theWalmart to shop.
5 full buggies later we had whatseemed like endless amounts of waffer vanilla crackers, juice boxes, water jugsand bottles and mini bags of Tortrix. The strange and confused looks we got from thelocals also seemed endless. There was no doubt that the five Americans stuckout like sore thumbs. Not only did we look American, but we struggled to speakthe same language as the Guatemalans. Allie speaks Spanish and I speak Spanishbut it’s still difficult. While trying to find what we needed, many of theworkers who were offering out free samples on every corner continued toapproach us with the offer. Hannah and I learned that it’s easiest to just say,“No Gracias.” That seemed appropriate at the time.
After unloading piles of groceriesand taking time for ourselves to mooch off the wifi and Skype our families atSeteca, Oliva met us and we all went to Miraflores, the local mall (which Imust point out is huge and pretty nice) to eat dinner in the food court. We allgot something different to eat but all had the same satisfaction. The fast foodhere is unlike American fast food. It’s not greasey and it doesn’t make youfeel heavy and sick after you indulge.
Matt and Hannah struggled with the guy at TacoBell and really couldn’t understand what he was saying. Although it was tough,the two tried as best they could to communicate. Matt still isn’t sure if theman asked if he wanted any sauce or not. I guess we will never know. When Iordered a “McPollo, numero cinco” at Mcdonald’s (Which is a McChicken, numberfive for you non Spanish speakers) I thought I was doing pretty well with myspeaking. Next thing I know the lady asked a question that I had not a singleclue what it meant. After maybe 5 or 6 times repeating and breaking down everyword for me, I realized she was asking me if I wanted to eat in the food courtor if I was taking it to-go. They looked at me like I was so incompetent. Aftereating we called it a night and came back to Seteca to settle in and get a goodnight’s rest.
Thismorning, we four ladies unpacked the five crates of school supplies, organizedmore money to exchange, did a few little tasks here and there, and beganorganizing the supplies for the days at the preschool and the days at theLandfill. Matt came in and helped make the sack lunches for the rest of theteam when they get here on Sunday.
Afterwe wrapped up everything, we all went outside and discussed what the Lord wastelling us through our quiet time this morning. We shared then prayed for eachother specifically and then went over tomorrow and Saturday’s schedules. Lunchwas at Miraflores mall again. And the day wouldn’t be complete without pickingup a few more items at WalMart.
Tonight we are going to theLandfill for the Feeding. We distribute food to the people who live in thedump. Following the Feeding, we are taking Pastor Saul and his family out todinner. Overall, the past two days have been stressful, busy and overwhelming,but the thing is, it’s not about how we feel. Of course we are going to gettired; that’s inevitable. We didn’t come down early to have a relaxed couple ofdays to vacation. So what if we are constantly busy or overwhelmed? We are doingthis so that the rest of the team doesn’t have to be constantly overwhelmedduring the week. We are doing this because we want to do it. We want to help.People have to realize it’s not all about us. Sacrificing some things is notgoing to make the world end.
I have high hopes for these next 8days. I feel the Lord is up to something radical. I just know He is going touse us all in different ways but to really impact people and glorify Him.“Greater things have yet to come. Greater things are still to be done in thiscity.” Pray for our health and stability, mentally, spiritually, physically andemotionally. God is at work here in Guatemala.
Hasta el tiempo proximo. (untilnext time)
-Ali Souther
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